A wide-ranging survey revealed more than 80 per cent of parents quizzed would not send their kids back to school in June.
The government has said it wants children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to begin a phased return to schools in England from June 1.
Secondary school pupils preparing for exams next summer are also expected to get some “face time” with their teachers before the summer holidays.
An updated an announcement is expected later this week on whether the five tests are being met for pupils to return to classrooms following the May half term.
But new research, carried out by Childcare.co.uk, found 81.3 per cent of parents would not send their kids back this summer.
Experts asked 20,000 families, with almost 17,000 saying they planned to keep their kids at home.
When asked why they would not be send their kids back (10,470) said they did not think it was safe for the youngster to return until September.
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While 2,749 wanted to wait until a vaccine was available.
And 14 per cent (2,433) reported enjoying having their kids at home so they didn't want to send them back.
CEO and founder of Childcare.co.uk Richard Conway said: "This time isn’t easy for any parent, and we must remember that not all families will be able to keep their children home even if they want to because they need to get back to work.
"The government should listen to parents, many of whom are faced with a near-impossible task, and support teachers and childcare providers for a safe and proper return.”
What unions are saying
A leading teaching union's poll of almost 30,000 members found just five per cent believed it was safe for more children to return to schools in England from June 1.
The NASUWT’s survey also found the majority of its members found government plans 'confusing and unsafe'.
